Confusion - what's an attack?

[Thanee]

Confusion has several effects which say the target attacks someone.

1) Attacking the caster (with melee or ranged)
2) Attacking the nearest creature
3) If being attacked, attack the attacker

So, 1) makes clear what is meant there, but how about 2) and 3)?

Do spellcasters cast spells then, for example?

Or is it always melee or ranged attack (as suitable)?

What if the target has no weapon in hand, does it attack unarmed, or does it draw a weapon and attack?

Bye
Thanee

 

[cmanos]

I would say spellcasters would attack with whatever they could.... basically they percieve the closest creature, friend or foe, as an enemy. Say the mage is affected by confusion and the closest creature is the friendly fighter in plate mail weilding a greatsword. Confusion is not stupidity. The Mage isn't going to charge in and attack the fighter with his dagger....he's going to cast his Lightning Bolt...

 

[Kae'Yoss]

DON'T YOU KNOW NOTHING? ARE YOU STUPID?

That's an attack, too ;-) (no offense meant)

It's an interesting question, though. It could be implied that they want only ranged or melee attack, but I think that they'd use a reasonable and reasonably effective method (including spells, special attacks, or the plain old weapon)

 

[Deset Gled]

My gut reaction to this would be to say anything that counts as an attack for the purpose of losing invisibility would be valid as an attack for a confused creature. This might not be exactly correct, but would be a simple way of dealing with the issue if it came up in game.

Of course, there was a fairly long thread on what counts as an attack for invisibility a while back. I don't think it should be an issue. YMMV.

 

[shilsen]

I'd say the creature attacks using whatever are the most convenient means at its disposal. Which is why it sucks a whole lot worse when the party wizard is confused than the rogue.

 

[Thanee]

Ok, so what if the wizard is casting a Fireball then?

Simply centered on the target?

Or placed as the wizards wishes to?

With as many opponents in there as possible (and the target, of course), or just as many possible targets, regardless whether they are enemies or allies?

Bye
Thanee

 

[Sejs]

I would interpret "attack" as "to interact with, having express intention to injure or kill."

Particularly, to do so using the resources that character would utilize under normal circumstances. Wizard with plenty of spells available? Fireball away, don't go and try to beat your target with your tiny, impotent little fists. No pulling punches, essentially.

 

[argo]

The spell does not say anything about reducing the mental abilities of its target, it only compels them to change their priorities as dictated by the spell effect (flee when they would rather stay, attack an ally when they would rather attack an enemy). This is suported by the line in the spell description that states "Attackers are not at any special advantage when attacking a confused character." If a confused character was forced to blindly lash out with his fists when he has a sword on his belt then it stands to reason that he would unable to effectevly defend himself but that is not the case. Also a confused character is allowed to make AoO's against creatures he is already dedicated to attacking which once again indicates a certain ammount of inteligent action on the part of the confused character. Since he has enough presence of mind to mount a normal defense and take AoO's I think he should be able to make reasonable decisions about how to attack. I rule that a confused character will attack with the best and most immediate means at his disposal: he will draw a different weapon if appropriate and will use spells if that is his best option. What he won't do is mount any complicated strategy, he will center any area of effect on the target and won't attempt to manouver (for flanking for example) if a straightfoward path is available. If he has an option to deal HP damage this round he will not forgo it in favor of an option that does not deal HP damage this round even if that option is more advantageous in the long run.

Just my humble opinion.